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{
    "id": 1211866,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1211866/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 39,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Speaker",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Hon. Members, I have three short Messages. Standing Order 42(2) states that if a Message is received from the President at a time when the House is not in Session, the Speaker shall forthwith cause the Message to be transmitted to every Member and shall report the Message to the House on the day of the House’s next Sitting. In this regard, Hon. Members, I wish to report to the House that on 9th December 2022, I received a Message from His Excellency the President regarding various proposals, including proposals to amend the Constitution and the Standing Orders to ensure gender inclusivity and affirmative action, establishment of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), the Senate Oversight Fund, the National Government Affirmative Action Fund, and establishment of the Office of the Leader of the Official Opposition and strengthening of Parliamentary oversight of the Executive. In the Message, His Excellency the President notes the legislative endeavours to facilitate greater political participation by women as well as sustained increase in the number of elected women leaders in the current political formation. The situation, however, falls short of the minimum constitutional requirement and, therefore, necessitating deliberate action from all stakeholders. This will, for example, include amendment of the Constitution to provide for a formula to guide the computation of the gender ratio based on the number of Members elected from the constituencies in the case of the National Assembly, the counties and the Senate, in line with Articles 97(1)(a) and 98(1)(a) of the Constitution. The Message also conveys proposals to institutionalise the Constituency Development Fund, the Senate Oversight Fund and the National Government Affirmative Action Fund, noting the great impact that such Funds have had to the general good of the of public. In order to ensure greater political inclusivity and promote effective checks and balances, and promote sound institutional practices, His Excellency the President has proposed the establishment of the Office of the Leader of Official Opposition noting that this will inculcate bipartisan symmetry between the majority and minority sides to its full logical extent. Hon Members, the Message from the President also conveys a proposal for increased parliamentary oversight of the Executive through the facilitating avenues for accountability through parliamentary business. Specifically, it is proposed that the rules of the House be reviewed to allow Cabinet Secretaries to respond to Questions raised by Members on the Floor of the House. This will enhance transparency and close the information gap between citizens and the Government, thereby enhancing public trust. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}